Category Archives: Rated B

August 17, 2020 · 11:56 pm

Review: The Second Mother by Jennifer Milchman

Title: The Second Mother by Jenny Milchman
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 454 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Opportunity: Teacher needed in one-room schoolhouse on remote island in Maine. Find the freedom in a fresh start.

Julie Weathers isn’t sure if she’s running away or starting over, but moving to a remote island off the coast of Maine feels right for someone with reasons to flee her old life. The sun-washed, sea-stormed speck of land seems welcoming, the lobster plentiful, and the community close and tightly knit. She finds friends in her nearest neighbor and Callum, a man who appears to be using the island for the same thing as she: escape.

But as Julie takes on the challenge of teaching the island’s children, she comes to suspect that she may have traded one place shrouded in trouble for another, and she begins to wonder if the greatest danger on Mercy Island is its lost location far out to sea, or the people who live there.

Review:

The Second Mother by Jenny Milchman is an atmospheric mystery.

Needing a fresh start, Julie Weathers accepts a teaching position on Mercy Island. The isolated island off the coast of Maine is home to the Hempstead family who rules the town with an iron first. Lobstering is a way of life for most of the men but tourist season adds plenty of money to the coffers.

Julie adjusts fairly quickly despite the unnerving fog. Her first night in her home is somewhat eerie but she pushes her unease aside. The next day she meets one of her students, eleven year old Peter Meyers, and his mother Martha Hempstead Meyers. Julie has concerns about the young boy that only increase the more she gets to know him. His grandmother, Maryanne, does not want to discuss her grandson so Julie turns to friend Ellie Newcomb and lobsterman Callum McCarthy for help. Julie soon comes to discover not everything is as it seems, but can she do anything to help those in need?

Julie is determined to begin a new life but she struggles to give up some of her old coping mechanisms.  She eagerly begins teaching and she begins to feel more secure and sure of herself. She has also discussed some of the most painful aspects of her past and Julie is beginning to heal.  She is still worried about Peter but she is also conflicted about him. Neither his mother nor his controlling grandmother are much help, so she asks Callum to join her in her quest for answers.

The secondary characters are interesting and fairly well developed. Ellie is friendly but she might not be the best person for Julie to spend time with under the circumstances. Callum is gruff but caring. Maryanne is harsh and unbending. Peter is a bit of a conundrum but Julie trusts her instincts. Martha is standoffish even with Peter but Julie knows the small family have been through a rough year.

The Second Mother is a mesmerizing mystery. The ever changing weather provides an ominous overtone. The storyline is intriguing but the pacing is a little uneven. Jenny Milchman brings this clever mystery to a dramatic yet satisfying conclusion. I greatly enjoyed and highly recommend this fantastic mystery to readers of the genre.

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Filed under Contemporary, Jenny Milchman, Mystery, Rated B, Review, Sourcebooks Landmark, Suspense, The Second Mother

August 16, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: Breathe the Sky by Michelle Hazen

Title: Breathe the Sky by Michelle Hazen
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

Two strangers start out saving animals and end up rescuing each other in this heartwarming romance from the author of Unbreak Me.

Mari Tucker is a wildlife biologist who scoops bunnies and endangered tortoises out of harm’s way on construction sites. Still haunted by her past, she takes the most remote jobs in the Mojave Desert to avoid people and hide from her ex. It’s a simple, quiet life filled with sweet animals and solar-powered baking until she ends up assigned to Jack Wyatt’s crew.

Construction foreman Jack Wyatt’s loud, foul-mouthed temper keeps even the most rugged of men on his crew in line. No mistake is overlooked, because out in the desert it could mean life or death. In his opinion, the job site is no place for sensitive biologists, especially one as shy as Mari. But instead of wilting from the heat and hard work, Mari wins over Jack and his crew one homemade brownie at a time.

Jack and Mari find a comfortable rhythm, building a friendship that’s rare for both of them. After Jack’s rocky childhood, they have more in common than they’d imagined. But even the Mojave sun can’t chase away the shadows when the past is determined to track them down…

Review:

Breathe the Sky by Michelle Hazen  is a marvelous contemporary romance with a breathtaking setting.

Following years of abuse, biologist Mari Tucker has escaped her ex-husband, Brad and started a new life for herself. She works in the Mojave Desert with a handful of other biologists who are monitoring a crew installing electrical lines. Mari is quiet, keeps to herself, and dreads the day Brad finds her. Due to her past, she is sensitive about loud and aggressive men, so the last person she wants to monitor is foreman Jack Wyatt. But as she gets to know him, Mari realizes they share more in common that she originally believes. And when she begins spending time with him outside of work, will Mari act on her growing attraction for brash, yet gentle, Jack?

Jack might have left Alabama but he still carries the scars from his abusive childhood and dysfunctional relationship with his brother Leroy.  Jack does not suffer fools lightly and although he is foul-mouthed and shouty, he genuinely cares about the men working for him. He is under a lot of pressure to keep the project moving so he impatiently and emphatically refuses to listen to the biologists’ explanations about why they are protecting certain species. But when Mari is assigned to watch him and his crew, Jack appreciates her quiet way of getting her point across.  Jack is protective of Mari but will he let down the walls he uses to keep everyone at arms’ length?

Mari and Jack’s relationship gradually shifts from professional to friendship to romance. Mari takes the first hesitant step to friendship but Jack is hard to read. She does not push hard but she is persistent as she sets aside her fears of rejection.  Jack is certainly enamored by Mari, but due to his past and the negative voices in his head, he is initially a little uneasy about  their budding friendship. Mari opens up to him about her past and while Jack tells her some details about his, he tends to be tighter lipped. Just as their romance is beginning to gain traction, Mari’s knee-jerk reaction and unrealistic expectations put a future together in jeopardy. For his part, Jack is willing to give her the space she requests but a family emergency is an additional threat to their relationship.

Breathe the Sky is a slow-growing, heartfelt romance. The characters are beautifully developed with back stories that tug on the heartstrings. The Mojave Desert springs vividly to life and provides the perfect backdrop for Jack and Mari’s heartwarming romance. With a few obstacles for Mari and Jack to overcome,  Michelle Hazen  brings this charming love story to an uplifting, sigh-worthy conclusion. A must read for fans of contemporary romances.

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Filed under Berkley, Breathe the Sky, Contemporary, Michelle Hazen, Rated B, Review, Romance

August 12, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: Dead Man Dancing by John Galligan

Title: Dead Man Dancing by John Galligan
Publisher: Atria Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 301 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In this sequel to the “gritty, brash, and totally gripping” (The Real Book Spy) thriller Bad Axe County, Sheriff Heidi Kick is investigating an illicit cage fighting ring with ties to white nationalism when her husband suddenly goes missing.

It’s a time for celebration in Bad Axe County as the town gathers for the annual Syttende Mai—or Norwegian Independence Day—festival. During this rollicking family-oriented event filled with dancing and food, Sheriff Heidi Kick discovers a dark and shocking event—a migrant worker has been savagely beaten but refuses to explain what happened. Then, a sudden murder of a band member shatters the festival. Something is deeply wrong in Bad Axe County.

As she looks for answers, Heidi plunges into a secret underworld where high-stakes cage fights double as combat training for the White Nationalist movement. Then all hell breaks loose for Heidi when her husband disappears and a secret he’s been keeping from Heidi is revealed.

A timely portrait of the deep divisions and simmering tensions brewing in our country today, Dead Man Dancing takes you into the dark heart of a movement defined by violence and hate. Featuring John Galligan’s signature “striking prose, engaging characters” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review), and unforgettable twists and turns, Dead Man Dancing is a breathless thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Review:

Dead Man Dancing by John Gallighan is a topical small town mystery. Although this newest release is the sequel to Bad Axe County, it can be read as a standalone.

Sheriff Heidi Kick is preparing for the town’s annual Syttende Mai festival.  She is also struggling with balancing work and home. She is devoted to keeping the Farmstead, WI residents safe and her husband, Harley, is frustrated by how many hours she spends working. With the Syttende Mai festival kicking off, Heidi plans to take a couple of days off and spend with her family. But her plans are complicated with the discovery of a worker who has been severely beaten and the inexplicable murder of town favorite Augustus Pfaff.  Equally upsetting is the sudden influx of White Nationalists to Farmstead. With tensions running high, Heidi and  Chief Deputy David Morales are working around the clock to catch a killer and prevent the growing unrest from spilling into over violence. And when Harley disappears, Heidi will do almost anything to find him before it is too late.

Heidi is tenacious, dedicated and stubborn. She loves her children and Harley but her first concern is the townspeople.  Unlike the residents, she is doing everything she can prepare herself and the Sheriff’s office for dealing with the influx of Latino workers. Heidi is no stranger to people’s racism and xenophobia and she does not hesitate to arrest anyone who is trying to trying to stir up bigotry in Bad Axe County.

Heidi is upset at the tragic death of Augustus and she begins questioning possible suspects.  Visitor Neon Shivers is a person of interest since he is known to have been trying to locate Augustus the night of his murder.  Heidi also wants to question Francis “Ivy” Kafka so she can rule him out as a suspect.  She is also hoping he will have information that might help figure out who is responsible for Pfaff’s death.

Meanwhile, racism and xenophobia are raising their ugly heads in Farmstead.  Outside forces are arriving and they are prepared to continue causing racial strife.  While Heidi is quick to realize this is a growing problem, the town’s board members are somewhat in denial. Certain trouble is planned during the Syttende Mai celebration, and Heidi attempts to cut off trouble before it can begin, but is it already too late?

Dead Man Dancing is an intriguing mystery with a realistic storyline that is ripped from today’s headlines. Heidi is a likable lead protagonist  who is sometimes a little too obstinate for her own good.  The various story arcs are interesting but the story is a little slow-paced. With all of the various pieces finally falling into place, John Gallighan brings this clever mystery to a satisfying conclusion. Hopefully readers will see more of Heidi Kick in future novels.

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Filed under Atria Books, Contemporary, Dead Man Dancing, Dead Man Dancing by John Galligan, Mystery, Rated B, Review, Suspense

August 10, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: The Quiet Girl by S.F. Kosa

Title: The Quiet Girl by S.F. Kosa
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Good girls keep quiet. But quiet girls can’t stay silent forever—and the consequences are sure to make some noise.

When Alex arrives in Provincetown to patch things up with his new wife, Mina, he finds an empty wine glass in the sink, her wedding ring on the desk, and a string of questions in her wake. The police believe that Mina, a successful romance author, simply left, their marriage crumbling before it truly began.

But what Alex finds in their empty cottage points him toward a different reality: Mina has always carried a secret. And now she’s disappeared.

In his hunt for the truth, Alex comes across Layla, a young woman with information to share, who may hold the key to everything his wife has kept hidden. A strange, quiet girl whose missing memories may break them all.

To find his missing wife, Alex must face what Layla has forgotten. And the consequences are anything but quiet.

In her debut thriller, S.F. Kosa presents a tightly-woven book sure to inspire questions about trauma, memory, and how well we ever know the people we love.

Review:

The Quiet Girl by S.F. Kosa is a perplexing mystery that is also quite affecting.

Alex Zarabian and popular romance author Mina Richards married after a whirlwind romance.  Mina can be a bit moody so when she leaves for her cottage in Provincetown after a disagreement, Alex tries to give her space. But anxious to work things out between them, he decides to surprise her and heads to her Provincetown. But Mina is nowhere to be found and Alex fears the worst for their marriage when he discovers she left her wedding and engagement rings behind. Desperate to locate his missing wife, Alex is frustrated by the police department’s slow reaction so he takes matters into his own hands. While searching for more information about Mina, he soon learns there is a lot he does not know about his wife. Will Alex uncover the truth about what happened to Mina in the past and present?

Alex is juggling searching for his wife with a work issue that has a deadline.  He is soon immersed in his search for Mina and he is dismayed that none of Mina’s neighbors are certain when they last saw her. Although she does not have much of a relationship with her parents, Alex decides to see if his in-laws know anything about her whereabouts.  He is shocked to find out she visited them earlier in the week. By all appearances, this might be the last time she has been seen.  Becoming more worried as time passes with no word, Alex hopes the police will locate her.  Their response is initially discouraging, so Alex continues his own investigation.  He gets a break when he is contacted by someone from her publisher and what he learns turns everything Alex knows about Mina completely upside down.

A secondary story arc involves a young woman named Layla who is a little vague and is hesitant to reveal anything about herself. She is working at a local restaurant where a bartender is helping her out. After an uncomfortable encounter with a customer, Layla’s reaction culminates in a shocking discovery.

The Quiet Girl is an intriguing mystery with a unique storyline.  Until about the halfway point, the pacing is slow as Alex’s search for Mina does not gain much traction. And at first, the story arc with Layla is a bit confusing.  With unpredictable twists and stunning turns,  S.F. Kosa brings this suspenseful mystery to a chilling and bittersweet conclusion.  Fans of the genre will enjoy this clever mystery.

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Filed under Contemporary, Mystery, Rated B, Review, SF Sosa, Sourcebooks Landmark, Suspense, The Quiet Girl

August 3, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: The Silence by Luca Veste

Title: The Silence by Luca Veste
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 400 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From the author of The Bone Keeper comes another sinister tale of secrets, revenge, and a killer lurking near

It was supposed to be our last weekend away as friends, before marriage and respectability beckoned. But what happened that Saturday changed everything.

We killed a stranger and covered it up.

In the middle of the night, someone died.

We didn’t know our victim was a serial killer.

The six of us promised each other we would not tell anyone about the body we buried.

But now the pact has been broken.

We don’t think he was working alone.

And the killing has started again …

Review:

The Silence by Luca Veste is a suspenseful mystery.

Matt Connolly and his partner, Alexandra Thompson, join their long time friends Chris and Nicola and Stuart and Michelle for a weekend music festival in the country. After a fun-filled weekend, Matt awakens to screams and going to investigate, he finds Stuart locked in a fight with a stranger. As the rest of their friends join them, they do everything in their power to save Stuart. Unfortunately, they kill the  stranger in the process and after much discussion, they decide to cover up the death.

A year later, their lives and friendships are forever altered. When one of their friends dies, Matt is wracked with guilt and decides to look deeper into what happened that weekend.  He also takes an  in-depth look into the much rumored serial killer dubbed the Candle Man.  Although the police dismiss the Candle Man, Matt becomes certain the speculation is true. And he is also convinced the Candle Man (or perhaps his partner) is targeting him and his friends. Will Matt uncover the truth about the Candle Man before he (or one of his friends) becomes the serial killer’s next victim?

Matt’s circumstances have changed the most and he is now only in contact with his best friend Chris. Matt works from home which is very fortunate since he can barely bring himself to leave the house. Always looking over his shoulder and compulsively checking the locks on the windows and doors, he can barely bring himself to attend his mate’s funeral.  Afterwards, he is very concerned for Michelle’s safety and Matt tries to convince him to stay with him or a family member.

Matt fights through his fears and begins to search in earnest for information on the Candle Man.  Armed with new details and completely certain the Candle Man is not a myth, he heads back to where their troubles began one year earlier.  With a suspect in mind, he becomes even more frightened for his and his friends safety.  Desperate to stop the Candle Man, Matt recklessly continues his investigation in spite of the increasing danger.  Will Matt find the serial killer before it is too late?

The Silence is an engrossing mystery with an intriguing premise and engaging characters. The storyline is interesting and unfolds at a steady pace. Narrator Matt’s fear and anxiety are palpable as he frantically tries to unmask the Candle Man. With a shocking plot twist,  Luca Veste brings this mesmerizing mystery to a breathless conclusion.  Fans of the genre will enjoy this clever mystery.

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Filed under Contemporary, Luca Veste, Mystery, Rated B, Review, Sourcebooks Landmark, Suspense, The Silence

August 2, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: No Woods So Dark as These by Randall Silvis

Title: No Woods So Dark as These by Randall Silvis
Ryan DeMarco Mystery Series Book Four
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 448 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Next in the literary, emotionally propulsive Ryan DeMarco Mystery series from Randall Silvis, critically acclaimed master of crime fiction.

There are good reasons to fear the dark…

Former Sergeant Ryan DeMarco’s life has been spent in defiance—he’s defied death, loneliness, and betrayal all while fighting the worst parts of humanity. He’s earned a break, and following the devastation of their last case, DeMarco and his girlfriend Jayme want nothing more than to live quietly in each other’s company. To forget the horrors they’ve experienced and work on making each other whole again.

But dreams of a peaceful life together are shattered when two bodies are discovered in a smoldering car in the woods, and another is found brutally mutilated nearby. Much as he’d like to leave the case to his former colleagues, dark forces are at play and DeMarco cannot escape the vortex of lies, betrayal, and desperation. He and Jayme are dragged back into the fray, where they must confront the shady dealings of a close-knit rural community.

Perfect for fans of murder mystery books and suspenseful thrillers alike, No Woods So Dark as These explores the atrocities humans are capable of when pushed to their limits. In this highly-anticipated addition to Randall Silvis’ books, Ryan DeMarco is forced into a case that might break him for good.

Review:

No Woods So Dark as These by Randall Silvis is a slow-burn mystery that is quit intriguing. This fourth installment in the Ryan DeMarco Mystery series can be read as a standalone.

Ryan DeMarco and his girlfriend Jayme Matson are still recovering from the events that occurred during their last case.  Although they are taking a bit of a break, neither can refuse State Trooper Captain Kyle Bowen’s request they assist on a gruesome triple homicide. Working alongside Troopers Mason Boyd and Daniella Flores,  Ryan and Jayme also agree to work with local reporter Chase Miller. The victims are almost impossible to identify so they are already at a bit of a disadvantage. However, after canvassing the town’s residents, they quickly zero in on a suspect.   Will DeMarco and Matson find the evidence they need to prove their theory?

Ryan and Jayme are both quite reflective throughout their investigation. Ryan has never quite made peace his past and he remains haunted by memories from various time periods in his life. Jayme has yet to come to terms with a painful loss but she is making a conscious effort to try to move forward.  Both feel a sense of impending trouble since trouble appears to be headed their way.

The case moves a little slowly since there is no viable evidence at the scene of the crime. Despite Ryan’s reservations, he agrees to allow Chase to assist their investigation. He proves to be a valuable asset as he uncovers a lead that could help identify the three victims. Locating a couple of possible witnesses, they are frustrated and saddened by events that unfold. Through good old fashioned detective work, DeMarco, Matson and the state troopers are soon closing in on the killer.

No Woods So Dark as These is an engaging mystery with an fascinating storyline. The characters are well-developed and they are quite contemplative throughout the story. The investigation is interesting and delves into the more unsavory aspects of life.  Although the case is quietly wrapped up, Randall Silvis brings the mystery to an absolutely jaw-dropping, cliffhanger conclusion. Old and new fans will enjoy this latest addition to the Ryan DeMarco Mystery series.

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Filed under Contemporary, Mystery, No Woods So Dark as These, Poisoned Pen Press, Randall Silvis, Rated B, Review, Ryan DeMarco Mystery Series, Suspense